Movie Review: The Faculty (1998)
Synopsis
"The Faculty" is a 1998 sci-fi horror film directed by Robert Rodriguez that revolves around a group of high school students facing an extraordinary and sinister invasion. Located at the isolated Harrington High School in Ohio, the film follows a ragtag bunch of misfits who slowly uncover a terrifying secret: their teachers have been possessed by alien parasites that allow them to control human beings.
The story begins when a new substitute teacher, Mr. Furlong (played by Jon Stewart), arrives and seems to have an unsettling aura about him. After several strange occurrences take place, including a mysterious gnawing sense of paranoia and the sudden deterioration of some faculty members’ behaviour, the students band together to investigate. They comprise a diverse group: the rebellious delinquents, the popular girls, the outcasts, and the nerds. These high school stereotypes, while sometimes predictable, also serve to provide a commentary on the social constructs of adolescence.
As the film progresses, we watch as the students—Casey Connor (Elijah Wood), Stokely Mitchell (Clea DuVall), Delilah Profitt (Jordana Brewster), Zeke Tyler (Josh Hartnett), and Marybeth Louise Hutchinson (Laura Harris)—attempt to uncover the truth, battling both their teachers and their own inner demons along the way. The group’s dynamics highlight the common struggles of teenage life while simultaneously imbuing the horror elements with a sense of real-world angst.
Throughout the film, several thrilling and suspenseful scenes unfold, escalating to a climactic showdown between the students and their alien-infested educators. Ultimately, they must devise a plan to thwart the invasion before it consumes their entire school—and possibly the world. It’s a blend of genre tropes, adolescent angst, and sharp commentary on conformity, which is communicated through Rodriguez’s deft direction.
Actors and Characters
- Elijah Wood as Casey Connor
- Clea DuVall as Stokely Mitchell
- Jordana Brewster as Delilah Profitt
- Josh Hartnett as Zeke Tyler
- Laura Harris as Marybeth Louise Hutchinson
- Jon Stewart as Edward Furlong
- Salma Hayek as Nurse”
- Robert Patrick as Coach Willis
- Piper Laurie as Principal Drake
- Bebe Neuwirth as Ms. Burke
- Usher Raymond as Gabriel
Conclusion
"The Faculty" is a fascinating amalgamation of a teen horror film layered with sci-fi elements, effectively using the high school setting to explore deeper themes of identity, rebellion, and the fear of the unknown. While the film did not receive universal acclaim upon its release, it has since garnered a cult following, thanks in part to its smart dialogue, strong performances, and atmospheric direction. The nostalgic flair combined with its social commentary makes it a compelling watch not just for those who appreciate horror, but also for anyone who has ever struggled to find their identity in the labyrinth of teenage years.
Though some aspects of the plot can feel predictable or derivative of classic films such as "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," "The Faculty" stands out via its charismatic cast and energetic storytelling style. Rodriguez balances a blend of humour and horror, making for an engaging experience that presents genuine moments of terror coupled with comic relief.
In closing, "The Faculty" thrives on its ability to blend genres while providing relatable characters enthusiastic about uncovering the truth. It serves as a time capsule of late 90s filmmaking that explores both the absurdity of the alien invasion and the angst of high school life. For these reasons, I would give the film a score of 7.5 out of 10.